When Ben-Hur was released in 1959 it was a sensation taking home a record eleven Oscars (a mark that has been tied but not beaten to this day). However for good reasons many people are wary of judging a film solely on its Oscar success. So did the movie deserve its eleven wins and all the hype that surrounded it? More importantly, does this classic big budget epic hold up for present day viewers? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes. Its awe inspiring audacity hasn’t faded away over the years and its story is still as big and bold as it was on opening night.
The film tells the story of Ben-Hur a rich Jewish nobleman living in Jerusalem during its occupation by the Romans. When Ben-Hur is mistakenly accused of an assassination attempt on the new Roman governor’s life he is betrayed by his old friend and sentenced to die as a galley slave. However the hero is not destined to die in the galleys and through a series of events rises back to power in order to challenge his old rival and save Jerusalem. The story is based off a novel by the same name and as the extended title (A Tale of the Christ) would suggest his plight is mirrored by that of Jesus Christ. Those familiar with their biblical history will likely appreciate the religious allusions but the movie’s merits are such that it can stand on its own and be enjoyed no matter what your beliefs.
The acting is solid throughout, with Charlton Heston providing a great performance in the lead role. However it is the direction and massive scope of the scenes that really set this movie apart. The sets are some of the grandest ever conceived, Ben-Hur’s entrance into Rome is awe inspiring while the arena for the chariot race was well worth being the largest set ever built at the time. There are numerous scenes throughout the film that will be memorable but it is hard to compare anything against the seventeen minute chariot race which should be considered one of the greatest action sequences of all time.
All this grandeur does come at a cost and like most historical epics this one features a substantial running time. Clocking in at over 3 hours the film’s length might scare some viewers away but if you don’t have that block of time to spare, or if you tend to get restless don’t worry you can always break your viewing up into more digestible segments and the movie won’t suffer for it. My version even included a built in intermission. If you have the time to spare, be sure to check out this great film.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The General Movie Review
When people think of silent films the first name that springs to mind is usually Charlie Chaplin. However another great star of the silent film era is Buster Keaton and one of his most beloved films is the 1926 classic The General. It tells the tale of a southern train engineer during the time of the American Civil War. The lead character is hopelessly in love with a young woman but falls out of her favour when circumstances beyond his control prevent him from signing up for the confederate army. When his cherished locomotive is stolen by Union spies he sees an opportunity to prove his bravery. Luckily for viewers the resulting pursuit leads to lots of laughs and plenty of fun.
Like most silent films the plot, which in this case is loosely based on a true story is relatively simple and easy to follow. However that doesn’t mean the movie is without depth. Using some great facial expressions Keaton is able to portray a wide range of emotions and the love story ranges from charmingly cheerful during the couples’ first encounter, to more delicate and deep during a mid film storm. Of course this being a comedy laughs are the main attraction. Slapstick may be one of the first and most basic forms of film comedy but it is still a very effective one. The stunts performed by Keaton are an incredible source of laughs and their audaciousness even more astounding considering all the special effect techniques that would have been unavailable at the time. The war scenes may seem quaint by today’s standards but at the time it was a big budget feature and remains the most expensive silent film ever produced. They do get across the frenzied nature of battle and the serious nature of the soldiers provides a great contrast to Keaton’s antics.
The term silent films is actually misleading since they were almost always accompanied by music and the version I watched had a simple but effective score which did the important job of conveying the tone and emotional state for each scene. The film may lack the dialogue and visual dazzling of modern masterpieces but still delivers on what is perhaps the most important part of a film experience, the ability to make you feel. It will thrill you, it will make you smile, and it will make you laugh out loud. Don’t let its release date scare you away the film still retains its magic over 80 years later. If you are interested in film history or silent movies seeing it is a no brainer. However for newcomers to the genre it is a great choice as well and with a minimal runtime there is no reason you shouldn’t check it out
Like most silent films the plot, which in this case is loosely based on a true story is relatively simple and easy to follow. However that doesn’t mean the movie is without depth. Using some great facial expressions Keaton is able to portray a wide range of emotions and the love story ranges from charmingly cheerful during the couples’ first encounter, to more delicate and deep during a mid film storm. Of course this being a comedy laughs are the main attraction. Slapstick may be one of the first and most basic forms of film comedy but it is still a very effective one. The stunts performed by Keaton are an incredible source of laughs and their audaciousness even more astounding considering all the special effect techniques that would have been unavailable at the time. The war scenes may seem quaint by today’s standards but at the time it was a big budget feature and remains the most expensive silent film ever produced. They do get across the frenzied nature of battle and the serious nature of the soldiers provides a great contrast to Keaton’s antics.
The term silent films is actually misleading since they were almost always accompanied by music and the version I watched had a simple but effective score which did the important job of conveying the tone and emotional state for each scene. The film may lack the dialogue and visual dazzling of modern masterpieces but still delivers on what is perhaps the most important part of a film experience, the ability to make you feel. It will thrill you, it will make you smile, and it will make you laugh out loud. Don’t let its release date scare you away the film still retains its magic over 80 years later. If you are interested in film history or silent movies seeing it is a no brainer. However for newcomers to the genre it is a great choice as well and with a minimal runtime there is no reason you shouldn’t check it out
Witness for the Prosecution Movie Review
Witness for the prosecution is a 1975 film directed by Billy Wilder. It is based on a short story of the same name by Agatha Christie. It follows Sir Wilfred Robarts an aging lawyer in bad health, who takes on the defence of a man accused of murder. As with all good murder mysteries the case is far from open and shut. In fact the plot is twisted so tightly that you will have to hang on to the very end to be sure you have unravelled everything. The story was a great success when it opened as a stage play and the film adaptation follows in that tradition. It was released to widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for multiple academy awards. Fortunately for modern viewers it retains its charm some 50 years later.
For the most part the casting is excellent even so Charles Laughton is a particular standout. He plays the part of an old grouch to perfection and manages to steal almost every scene he is in. His nemesis an overly protective nurse played by Elsa Lanchester is also great and worthy of her supporting role nomination. It doesn’t take her character much more than the opening scene to annoy both Sir Wilfred and the audience but its touching to see how she grows on us both by the end of the film. The supporting cast is excellent as well, with a faithful butler and elderly scotch housekeeper being of particular note. Marlene Dietrich puts in a great performance as the German wife of the accused, playing a mysterious and seductive femme fatale who hides her motives well. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about Tyrone Power who plays the murder suspect. His hammy performances on the witness stand may be justified in the end but they stand out painfully against the subtleness of the other characters. The same can be said about his American accent which he makes no attempt to hide in this otherwise very British feature. When he is not hamming it up he is entirely too bland and possibly old to play the young heartthrob he is supposed to be.
The good news is that Tyrone Power’s performance doesn’t detract nearly enough to bring down the excellence of this picture. The great cast and characters would be enough on their own but fortunately there is an enthralling plot and plenty of surprises to go along. The main set a re-creation of London’s Old Bailey looks fabulous as does the direction by the legendary Billy Wilder. After all this praise I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend this wonderful film experience to everyone reading.
For the most part the casting is excellent even so Charles Laughton is a particular standout. He plays the part of an old grouch to perfection and manages to steal almost every scene he is in. His nemesis an overly protective nurse played by Elsa Lanchester is also great and worthy of her supporting role nomination. It doesn’t take her character much more than the opening scene to annoy both Sir Wilfred and the audience but its touching to see how she grows on us both by the end of the film. The supporting cast is excellent as well, with a faithful butler and elderly scotch housekeeper being of particular note. Marlene Dietrich puts in a great performance as the German wife of the accused, playing a mysterious and seductive femme fatale who hides her motives well. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about Tyrone Power who plays the murder suspect. His hammy performances on the witness stand may be justified in the end but they stand out painfully against the subtleness of the other characters. The same can be said about his American accent which he makes no attempt to hide in this otherwise very British feature. When he is not hamming it up he is entirely too bland and possibly old to play the young heartthrob he is supposed to be.
The good news is that Tyrone Power’s performance doesn’t detract nearly enough to bring down the excellence of this picture. The great cast and characters would be enough on their own but fortunately there is an enthralling plot and plenty of surprises to go along. The main set a re-creation of London’s Old Bailey looks fabulous as does the direction by the legendary Billy Wilder. After all this praise I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend this wonderful film experience to everyone reading.
Spartacus Movie Review
While flipping through the channels the other day I noticed a planned showing of Spartacus, the 1960 classic directed by Stanley Kubrick and staring Kirk Douglas. The substantial runtime made it a daunting proposition but being a fan of both classic movies and Stanley Kubrick I decided it would be worth the effort. The film features a classic underdog story, Spartacus a lowly slave is bought by a gladiatorial trainer. From the training school Spartacus leads a slave rebellion that not only earns him his freedom but rattles the very foundations of Rome.
The movie is a classic for a reason; there are some truly great looking scenes. The set pieces and production values are great especially for the time it was released. The technical aspects are represented in fine form and Kubrick as expected shows off his directing talents. Some of the most visually impressive scenes are also the most violent. The gladiatorial fights are well choreographed and satisfying but the most impressive scenes are the larger scale battles. For action fans the initial slave uprising and the climatic end battle could both justify the price of admission and will get your adrenalin flowing even without the aid of modern CGI. While Spartacus and his slave army take care of the action the intertwined scenes involving the Romans deliver political intrigue. There are a surprising number of complex subplots and each not only adds to but is arguably more interesting than the main plot. However the film does drag during the love story sequences as far too much time is devoted to the relatively unimportant relationship. The first loving stare between Spartacus and Varinia is touching and sets up their connection beautifully. However their third and forth scenes are unnecessary and mind numbingly boring.
The acting is excellent from the entire cast. Jean Simmons is charming as Spartacus’ love interest and capably ranges from vulnerable to defiant. Kirk Douglas seems at home playing the stoic, strong willed and upright hero. However his moral flawlessness and smug self confidence make him a rather annoying character in my opinion. Luckily his roman counterparts are far more interesting, each of them having a wide range savoury vices and motivations.
This juxtaposition of characters mirrors the treatment of themes in the movie which are painted in broad strokes rather than fine lines. From the beginning it is clearly laid out who you should be cheering for. Also slavery may be a complex and important social issue but the film never really explores its causes or implications in much depth instead being satisfied to simply use it as an emotional catalyst to advance the plot. Ultimately Spartacus’ speeches come off as preachy or disingenuous rather than rousing.
While it may trail behind Gladiator or Ben-Hur in terms of being the definitive sword and sandals epic, Spartacus is still a great classic film. It may drag at times but ultimately it is well worth the time you invest.
The movie is a classic for a reason; there are some truly great looking scenes. The set pieces and production values are great especially for the time it was released. The technical aspects are represented in fine form and Kubrick as expected shows off his directing talents. Some of the most visually impressive scenes are also the most violent. The gladiatorial fights are well choreographed and satisfying but the most impressive scenes are the larger scale battles. For action fans the initial slave uprising and the climatic end battle could both justify the price of admission and will get your adrenalin flowing even without the aid of modern CGI. While Spartacus and his slave army take care of the action the intertwined scenes involving the Romans deliver political intrigue. There are a surprising number of complex subplots and each not only adds to but is arguably more interesting than the main plot. However the film does drag during the love story sequences as far too much time is devoted to the relatively unimportant relationship. The first loving stare between Spartacus and Varinia is touching and sets up their connection beautifully. However their third and forth scenes are unnecessary and mind numbingly boring.
The acting is excellent from the entire cast. Jean Simmons is charming as Spartacus’ love interest and capably ranges from vulnerable to defiant. Kirk Douglas seems at home playing the stoic, strong willed and upright hero. However his moral flawlessness and smug self confidence make him a rather annoying character in my opinion. Luckily his roman counterparts are far more interesting, each of them having a wide range savoury vices and motivations.
This juxtaposition of characters mirrors the treatment of themes in the movie which are painted in broad strokes rather than fine lines. From the beginning it is clearly laid out who you should be cheering for. Also slavery may be a complex and important social issue but the film never really explores its causes or implications in much depth instead being satisfied to simply use it as an emotional catalyst to advance the plot. Ultimately Spartacus’ speeches come off as preachy or disingenuous rather than rousing.
While it may trail behind Gladiator or Ben-Hur in terms of being the definitive sword and sandals epic, Spartacus is still a great classic film. It may drag at times but ultimately it is well worth the time you invest.
Double Idemnity Movie Review
I’ll admit I am a sucker for 40s film noir, the intrigue of a good mystery, quick witted back and forth dialogue and stylish black and white visuals represent one of the greatest eras in Hollywood filmmaking. It is a group filled with such classics as Casablanca, The Third Man and the Maltese falcon. Even among such noteworthy peers Double Indemnity manages to stand out as a brilliant film.
Directed by Billy Wilder and staring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck, the film follows the story of Walter Neff. This quick thinking insurance salesman who on a routine sales call stumbles upon lonely housewife Phyllis Dietrichson. The two end up stuck together in a scheme that will change both of their lives forever.
With all due respect to Sunset Boulevard, Double Indemnity is the Billy Wilder film that most closely fits into the Film Noir genre and also the darkest of all his films. The cynicism is laid on pretty thick even by genre standards and sunny California is rendered in a darker shade during most of the scenes. Even so the film manages to squeak in some light-hearted banter between the two leads and the movie never becomes overly dark or depressing. The acting is excellent on all fronts, Barbara Stanwyck may not be a well known sex symbol but in this film she exudes a subtle sexuality that creeps in slowly but resonates deeply. You can easily believe how the poor salesman could become so hopelessly hooked. Fred MacMurray rifles off witty retorts with a carefree confidence but manages to bring a chilling vulnerability to the film’s more serious scenes. While the stars certainly deserve credit, a special mention must be made to Edward G. Robinson for his portrayal of Barton Keyes. He plays a wise old insurance investigator who reckons he has seen just about everything during his many years on the job. He is an incredibly interesting and quirky character who fulfills the tough role of being a likeable adversary for the hero.
Overall Double Indemnity is a wonderful movie and a personal favourite. While it is a difficult task for any movie to compete with the experience of my first viewing there is still plenty to enjoy during multiple viewings and there are many subtleties that you can still be discovered. An obvious recommendation for fans of Film Noir but can also be a great introduction to the genre.
Directed by Billy Wilder and staring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck, the film follows the story of Walter Neff. This quick thinking insurance salesman who on a routine sales call stumbles upon lonely housewife Phyllis Dietrichson. The two end up stuck together in a scheme that will change both of their lives forever.
With all due respect to Sunset Boulevard, Double Indemnity is the Billy Wilder film that most closely fits into the Film Noir genre and also the darkest of all his films. The cynicism is laid on pretty thick even by genre standards and sunny California is rendered in a darker shade during most of the scenes. Even so the film manages to squeak in some light-hearted banter between the two leads and the movie never becomes overly dark or depressing. The acting is excellent on all fronts, Barbara Stanwyck may not be a well known sex symbol but in this film she exudes a subtle sexuality that creeps in slowly but resonates deeply. You can easily believe how the poor salesman could become so hopelessly hooked. Fred MacMurray rifles off witty retorts with a carefree confidence but manages to bring a chilling vulnerability to the film’s more serious scenes. While the stars certainly deserve credit, a special mention must be made to Edward G. Robinson for his portrayal of Barton Keyes. He plays a wise old insurance investigator who reckons he has seen just about everything during his many years on the job. He is an incredibly interesting and quirky character who fulfills the tough role of being a likeable adversary for the hero.
Overall Double Indemnity is a wonderful movie and a personal favourite. While it is a difficult task for any movie to compete with the experience of my first viewing there is still plenty to enjoy during multiple viewings and there are many subtleties that you can still be discovered. An obvious recommendation for fans of Film Noir but can also be a great introduction to the genre.
Vertigo Movie Review
Vertigo is a 1958 movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. It tells the story of John Ferguson a San Francisco detective who suffers from vertigo after narrowing avoiding a life ending injury trying to make a rooftop arrest. One day he receives a call from an old school friend who wants him to keep tabs on his suicidal wife. Of course, while following through on this assignment John discovers more than he was expecting and begins to fall for the woman he is observing.
Like most Hitchcock films the story will manage to keep you in a tantalizing state of suspense for the entire duration and the ultimate mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. Stewart and Novak share a great deal of chemistry and while they are falling for each other you will be falling for them as a couple hoping that they will make it. This is aided by the fact that it is one of Hitchcock’s more romantic films with some great shots and imagery lending to the mood. The scenes under the Golden Gate Bridge and by fireside will certainly attest to this. The cinematography as a whole is also memorable and ranges from windswept seaside kisses to haunting scenes in an old bell tower. The beauty of San Francisco and the west coast is captured perfectly and regardless of what the subject is most scenes will stay with you long after your initial viewing.
That being said the film may not be for everyone. It is one of Hitchcock’s darker works with the director never allowing the characters many moments of complete safety and their happiness more often than not dangled just out of reach. So those in search of a more light-hearted affair might be inclined to search elsewhere. (Rear Window being an excellent alternative) Also while most of Hitchcock’s visuals and storylines will remain timeless some of the strobe light like effects have not aged as well and their comical dated nature might distract from the overall seriousness of the movie. However I would certainly recommend this film to anyone weather they are an experienced Hitchcock enthusiast or have never heard of him before. It is certainly an older movie but still remains a powerful and entertaining film 50 years later and with all its subtleties is a movie that will keep you engrossed even after multiple viewings.
Like most Hitchcock films the story will manage to keep you in a tantalizing state of suspense for the entire duration and the ultimate mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. Stewart and Novak share a great deal of chemistry and while they are falling for each other you will be falling for them as a couple hoping that they will make it. This is aided by the fact that it is one of Hitchcock’s more romantic films with some great shots and imagery lending to the mood. The scenes under the Golden Gate Bridge and by fireside will certainly attest to this. The cinematography as a whole is also memorable and ranges from windswept seaside kisses to haunting scenes in an old bell tower. The beauty of San Francisco and the west coast is captured perfectly and regardless of what the subject is most scenes will stay with you long after your initial viewing.
That being said the film may not be for everyone. It is one of Hitchcock’s darker works with the director never allowing the characters many moments of complete safety and their happiness more often than not dangled just out of reach. So those in search of a more light-hearted affair might be inclined to search elsewhere. (Rear Window being an excellent alternative) Also while most of Hitchcock’s visuals and storylines will remain timeless some of the strobe light like effects have not aged as well and their comical dated nature might distract from the overall seriousness of the movie. However I would certainly recommend this film to anyone weather they are an experienced Hitchcock enthusiast or have never heard of him before. It is certainly an older movie but still remains a powerful and entertaining film 50 years later and with all its subtleties is a movie that will keep you engrossed even after multiple viewings.
Welcome to my Blog
I have decided to start up my first blog, we'll see how it all works out. The main focus will be on movies especially classic movies. There will be lots of reviews and hopefully some broader opinion pieces as well. I will try to be posting and updating as often as I can so be sure to check by whenever you like to see what's new. If your looking for concise informative movie reviews this is the place for you. If you need some recommendations hopefully I will be able to help you out. I looking forward to seeing you all around the blogger network and checking out the great stuff you have posted
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